University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
6-3-3, 2-2-3
New Hampshire
3-4-3, 1-0-3
Massachusetts and UNH Fight to 2-2 Tie
November 20, 2015 | Hockey
DURHAM, N.H. - Massachusetts hockey erased one-goal deficits on two occasions as the squad fought to a 2-2 tie at New Hampshire in Hockey East action on Friday night. Following the draw, the Minutemen are 6-3-3 on the season and 2-2-3 in Hockey East, while the Wildcats sit at 3-4-3 overall and 1-0-3 in league play.
Senior Shane Walsh scored the game-tying goal for his team-leading ninth of the season and 50th point of his career, while freshman Carmine Buono registered an assist for his first collegiate point. Junior Ray Pigozzi extended his point-scoring streak to five straight games with his eighth helper of the year and now has at least one point in 11 of 12 contests on the season.
Shortly after an offensive zone faceoff midway through the first period, UNH climbed in front, 1-0. Andrew Poturalski redirected the puck at the doorstep at the 10:19 mark off a feed from Cameron Marks at the point and Tyler Kelleher.
UMass knotted the score up at 1-1 just 2:04 into the second period. Patrick Lee’s centering pass from the right wing was tipped towards goal by Buono and freshman Kurt Keats cleaned up the loose puck for his second of the season.
However, the Wildcats managed to climb back on top, 2-1, at the 7:31 mark of the stanza. Kelleher and Poturalski set up a shot by Matias Cleland that tucked inside the upper right corner of the Minutemen net.
Then in the third period, Walsh came through with the equalizer 11:51 into the frame, crashing the net and knocking the puck in. Pigozzi and freshman Ivan Chukarov earned the assists on the play.
Both teams had late chances, but remained deadlocked at 2-2 despite each having a power play opportunity in the overtime. UMass and UNH each went 0-for-2 with the man advantage on the night.
The Wildcats finished the contest with a 32-24 shot advantage with the Minutemen holding a 16-10 edge in the third period and overtime. Freshman Nic Renyard totaled 30 saves in net for UMass and Danny Tirone totaled 22 stops for New Hampshire.
The Minutemen return to action tomorrow night, Nov. 21, when the squad will travel to North Andover, Mass., to play #13 Merrimack at 7 p.m.
For continued coverage of UMass hockey, follow the team on Twitter @UMassHockey and on Facebook at facebook.com/UMassHockey.
